Cost of Living: Springfield, MO vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Springfield

Missouri
60
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Springfield is 22% cheaper than Lafayette.

$920/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↑ 16%
$45,984/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 34%
$165,200 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 52%
$908/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↑ 16%
169,432
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MO and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 60 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $145/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,740/year.

Median household income is $15,470/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $165,200 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Springfield or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Lafayette?
Median rent in Springfield is $920/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $145/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Lafayette?
Median household income is $45,984 in Springfield and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $15,470/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Louisiana?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 60 with median rent of $920/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Springfield details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Springfield and Lafayette

Springfield vs. Fort Collins Springfield vs. Palmdale Springfield vs. Lancaster Springfield vs. Salinas Springfield vs. Pembroke Pines Springfield vs. Hayward Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield